Well they will be falling..... so you might take a raincheck.

http://www.attheraces.com/national/

good info here including replay of last years race...

thanks for the link, I will review it a bit tomorrow.

I did try to run the replay from last year, however it wouldn't run and I got the message "sorry, this video is for UK audiences only":eek:

As a proud former colony, I would think that we are entitled to at least have a look at the replay!

Sorry about that. I should have checked it before posting. I cant watch it either

just to clarify, Red Rum wouldnt be considered the best steeplechaser of all time, simply the most recognised for winning the Grand National 3 times and finishing 2nd twice. the greatest ever steeplechaser unarguably goes to Arkle!

Chris,

the only difference between steeplechases and hurdles is the size of the obstacles. I believe that when ye guys say steeplechasing, to us, it is actually racing over hurdles. Thats what i saw in Saratoga anyway.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious weight for age steeplechase. Its run over 3miles 2 and ahalf furlongs (i think, or thereabouts!). the most prestigious hurdle race is the champion hurdle run in Cheltenham over 2 miles. The only horse ever to win both was the best mare of all time - Dawn Run.

alot of horses start off with hurdles and progress onto fences as they get older, but some have mixed the two with success. Furthermore, plenty jumpers race on the flat as well.

I have to admit, unfortunately, that the Derby in Churchill is far more prestigious these days than the original Derby in Epsom!

and the TV audience quoted for the Grand National also doesnt take into account those in Betting Shops ( many many more than the number of OTB's in the US) or on race tracks in Brittain not to mention the rest of the world.

The shortcoming in the ratings calculations you mention is also applicable to ratings generated for the Grand National also.

Forgive me for being lazy..... I've not kept up on the news the past few days.

These are the horses i appreciate from afar..... too painful to watch yet i root for them and follow some.

Numbersix..... hope he can do it again. He was my pick last year.

I always end up rooting for Monk too..... is he likely?

I know, I know..... it's been a while since he's had a win, but still... I just like him.

My other question, and sorry for being lazy but i figure you guys will know... does Ruby have the Hedgehunter mount? Thanks.

For the love of God come home safe, ALL of you.

Declared runners.....

Hedgehunter, Eurotrek, L'Ami, Monkerhostin, Thisthatandtother, Billyvoddan, Numbersixvalverde, Idle Talk, Royal Auclair, Cloudy Bays, Knowhere, Kelami, Point Barrow, Celtic Son, Simon, Ballycassidy, Clan Royal, Gallant Approach, Livingstonebramble, Dun Doire, Kandjar D'Allier, Slim Pickings, Zabenz, Bewleys Berry, Longshanks, Bothar Na, Graphic Approach, Homer Wells, Liberthine, Silver Birch, Philson Run, Puntal, The Outlier, Tikram, McKelvey, Naunton Brook, Jack High, Sonevafushi, Joes Edge, Le Duc.

Come home safe.

Im off tomorrow to Aintree so will give my quick opinion. Ill take these 4 - Hedgehunter - laid out for the race. has bags of class.
Point Barrow - the right type. An Irish National winner
Zabenz - will love the ground and jumps well. trip might stretch him but could have some fun and
Jack High - feather weight, he can run well!

Yes he does.

Thanks.

i guess he was involved in an accident today..... hope the poor horse is okay. There was no mention.....

Here's free video form for anyone interested.....

http://www.racingpost.co.uk/horses/free_video_form.sd

On Monk..... :)

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/n...al_101937.html

* * *

Monet's Garden won today!

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/n...al_152723.html

Backed Point Barrow who went down at the first this year. Next year I'll post who I am backing and everyone can stay away.

I am a Grand National Mush.

Is he alright?

Silver Birch..... not one I'm familiar with but congrats to him and anyone who picked him.

Hope everyone came home okay. On another board they're saying the fallers are all okay. This is why i can't watch it.....

Just reading through this. I'm with you brockguy....... this is probably the most famous race in the world.

Ask anyone in the world who has no connection with racing what won the Grand National and 8 times out of 10 they will know. Ask the same person who won the KY Derby and i doubt any would have a clue.

It is the people's race where everyone gets involved and has a bet.

Easily the most famous race in the world, no matter how much people like/dislike the event.